New TV, documentaries & movies in August

New DVDs for July feature documentaries, with one of the most watched National Geographic shows ever with Morgan Freeman’s ‘The Story of God’, the tragic ALS documentary ‘Gleason’, and Leonardo DiCaprio’s ‘Before the Flood’. New movies include the charming remake of ‘Beauty and the beast’, lively German comedy ‘Toni Erdmann’ and historical drama ‘Alone in Berlin; while new TV includes the final season of ‘Bones’ and new Jude Law Vatican drama ‘The Young Pope’.

The story of God.
“This is an epic new series that explores how religion has shaped the history of the world – and how it continues to mould the lives of every single one of us today, no matter what our faith – or lack of faith – may be. Academy Award-winning actor Morgan Freeman travels to some of the holiest sites in the world – from the Pyramids of Giza and Buddha’s Bodhi Tree to Mayan ruins and Jerusalem’s Dome of the Rock. He meets people of all faiths and speaks to religious leaders, scientists, historians and archaeologists in an effort to understand how religion evolved and adapted as our society changed and, in turn, how religion transformed the evolution of society. Morgan attempts to shed light on questions that have puzzled, terrified and inspired us from the beginning, including the creation of the universe and the belief that the world will end in apocalypse.” (Syndetics summary)

Gleason.
“Steve Gleason was a star athlete who, tragically, at the age of 34, was diagnosed with ALS and given a life expectancy of two to five years. Weeks later, Gleason found out his wife, Michel, was expecting their first child. A video journal that began as a gift for his unborn son expands to chronicle Steve’s journey to get his relationships in order, provide support to other ALS patients, and adapt to his declining physicality.” (Description, Mightyape.co.nz)

Before the flood.
“If you could know the truth about the threat of climate change – would you want to know? Before the Flood features Leonardo DiCaprio on a journey as a United Nations Messenger of Peace, traveling to five continents and the Arctic to witness climate change firsthand. He goes on expeditions with scientists uncovering the reality of climate change, and meets with political leaders fighting against inaction. With unprecedented access to thought leaders around the world, DiCaprio searches for hope in a rising tide of catastrophic news. Before the Flood presents a riveting account of the dramatic changes now occurring around the world due to climate change, as well as the actions we as individuals and as a society can take to prevent the disruption of life on our planet.” (Description, Mightyape.co.nz)

Bones. The final chapter.
“Brennan’s uncanny forensic skills help resolve even grislier cases, including a retirement home murder, a possible death by robot, and the slaying of close friend. Along the way, family tragedy strikes and Booth lands in the crosshairs of a serial killer. The fascinating storylines, heart and humor of these twelve episodes wrap of the final season of this hit series.” (Syndetics summary)

Beauty and the beast.
“The journey of Belle, a bright and independent young woman who takes her father’s place as the prisoner of a beast in his castle. As Belle befriends the castle’s enchanted staff, she and the Beast slowly begin to look beyond their initial reactions to each other and see who they truly are. But back in Belle’s village, her father’s fears for her safety drive him to rally the villagers to free Belle from the castle–a plan that goes awry, with dangerous consequences, when Belle’s would-be suitor Gaston twists the rally into a mob and leads an attack on the castle.” (Syndetics summary)

Toni Erdmann.
“Winfried doesn’t see much of his working daughter Ines. He pays her a surprise visit in Bucharest, where she’s busy as a corporate strategist. The geographical change doesn’t help them to see more eye to eye. Practical joker Winfried annoys his daughter with corny pranks and jabs at her routine lifestyle of meetings and paperwork. Father and daughter reach an impasse, and Winfried agrees to go home to Germany. Enter Toni Erdmann: Winfried’s flashy alter ego.” (Syndetics summary)

Handsome devil.
“Ned, the bullied outsider, and Conor, the new boy and star athlete, are forced to room together at their boarding school. The boys take an instant dislike to each other, and seem destined to remain enemies until an English teacher, Mr. Sherry, begins to drill into them the value of finding one’s own voice. This lesson, however, isn’t appreciated by everyone, particularly rugby coach Pascal, who has his own agenda and harbors some deep suspicions about the boys’ teacher.” (Editorial Reviews Amazon.com)

The young pope. Series 1.
“Lenny Belardo, aka Pius XIII, is the first American Pope in history. Young and charming, his election might seem the result of a simple and effective media strategy by the College of Cardinals. But, as we know, appearances can be deceptive. Especially in the place and among the people who have chosen the great mystery of God as the guiding light of their existence. That place is the Vatican and those people are the leaders of the Catholic Church. And the most mysterious and contradictory figure of all turns out to be Pius XIII himself. Shrewd and naïve, old-fashioned and very modern, doubtful and resolute, ironic, pedantic, hurt and ruthless, Pius XIII tries to walk the long path of human loneliness to find a God for mankind. And for himself.” (Description, Mightyape.co.nz)

Alone in Berlin.
“How did an ordinary, middle-aged couple become a symbol of defiance against Nazi brutality? This tale of courage unfolds against the tumultuous backdrop of Berlin in 1940. Otto and Anna Quangel are a working class husband and wife doing their best to ride out the war. Their son is killed fighting on the frontlines. They begin pouring their rage and grief into postcards emblazoned with anti-Nazi slogans, risking everything to disseminate their messages of protest across the city.” (Syndetics summary)

Aftermath.
“Aftermath tells a story of guilt and revenge when an air traffic controller’s error leads to a catastrophic mid-air collision that causes the death of a construction foreman’s wife and daughter. Starring Hollywood legend, Arnold Schwarzenegger, two family’s lives are irrevocably changed by tragedy in this dramatic thriller, proving that vengeance is a journey with no return.” (Description, Mightyape.co.nz)